The National Lacrosse League recently announced that the first two weeks of the 2018-19 season have been cancelled due to a labor dispute. Since January, the league has been negotiating in good faith for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Professional Lacrosse Players’ Association. Despite being presented with the most lucrative offer in the 32-year history of the National Lacrosse League, the players have opted not to report, thus cancelling the first two weeks of the 2018-19 season. The San Diego Seals’ opener on Dec. 8 is one of the games impacted.
The league’s most recent proposal, which includes the sharing of both league and team revenues with the players, wasn’t accepted by Thursday. The deadline would have allowed for the minimum time requirement needed for teams to prepare for the start of the season.
“It’s disappointing, first and foremost, for our season ticket members, fans, corporate sponsors and community partners who have been eagerly awaiting Opening Night for more than a year – they deserve better!” said Seals president Steve Govett. “Since the announcement of an expansion team having been awarded to the city of San Diego last August, we’ve worked tirelessly in the local community by attending, participating in, supporting and creating well over 100 local events. Now all of the excitement for Opening Night has been put on hold until Jan. 12.”
The Seals are steadfastly committed to bringing world-class entertainment to San Diego in the near future.
“We will not waiver in our promise to provide an unparalleled and affordable fan experience to San Diegans,” said Govett. “The last proposal presented to the players was a fair offer for both sides. It is imperative to responsibly provide a sustainable business model to ensure the long-term viability of the Seals and the other teams across North America.”
The Seals will be reaching out to every season ticket member, ticket buyer, corporate sponsor and community partner. The team’s inaugural home game will be 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12 against the Rochester Knighthawks at Valley View Casino Center.
